Fenix HM65R-DT vs Fenix PD36R ACE
Quick take: The Fenix HM65R-DT costs $10 less; the Fenix PD36R ACE is brighter (3,000 vs 1,500 lm); the Fenix PD36R ACE throws farther (415m vs 170m); the Fenix PD36R ACE runs longer on high (4 vs 3 hrs).
| Spec | Fenix HM65R-DT | Fenix PD36R ACE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $110 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Headlamp | Tactical |
| Lumens | 1,500 lm | 3,000 lm |
| Candela | 7,200 cd | 43,056 cd |
| Beam distance | 170m | 415m |
| Runtime | 3 hrs (high) | 4 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 21700 |
| LED | Luminus SFT-40 + SST-20 | Luminus SFT70 Gen2 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Throw |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Dual Switch |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 3.5 oz | 6.4 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 1.2 in | 5.7 x 1.2 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 5 Year |
What owners report
Fenix HM65R-DT
- ✓Magnesium alloy body — light for its durability, at 53 g for the head unit
- ✓Rated from -31 to 113°F with two metres of impact resistance
- ✓SPORT headband holds it without bounce
- ✓Removable rechargeable 18650, so a spare cell extends any trip
- ✓Dual beam reaching beyond 150 m
- ✗The switch shroud means tilting the lamp forward to reach the controls
- ✗Only three to four hours on high
- ✗Reviewers advise against it for running despite the trail branding
- ✗Fiddly to operate with gloves
- ✗Runtime at high output doesn't suit full-night use
Fenix PD36R ACE
- ✓Three selectable preset mode groups — configure it once for the job
- ✓3,000 lumens and 415 m from a Luminus SFT70 Gen2
- ✓Measured above its claimed output rather than below
- ✓Around four hours on high from the included 5,000mAh 21700
- ✓Hidden USB-C charging and Fenix's five-year repair coverage
- ✗About 69 CRI at 6,264K — cool and poor at rendering colour
- ✗183 grams and 146 mm, substantial for pocket carry
- ✗Turbo runtime is limited by heat, as on any light this size
- ✗Configurable modes add a setup step before first use
- ✗Priced well above budget lights with similar output